The Long-Awaited Fuente Fuente OpusX L.J. Peretti Toro Marks a Century and a Half of Tobacconist Tradition
Established in 1870, L.J. Peretti Co. in Boston stands as one of America’s oldest tobacconists. Commemorating its remarkable longevity, the store’s pipe tobacco blenders crafted special blends and collaborated with cigar companies to create anniversary cigars. Despite the 2020 anniversary passing, a recent development unfolded: Arturo Fuente, after a delay of approximately three years, finally delivered the cigar designed for L.J. Peretti’s 150th anniversary.
Presenting the Fuente Fuente OpusX L.J. Peretti Toro, a 6 3/4 x 50 toro extra size, this cigar, according to Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr., shares similarities with the OpusX 25—a cigar crafted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of OpusX—though it is not an exact replica. Initially priced at $320 for 10-count boxes, the cigars quickly sold out.
Fuente Jr. revealed that the idea of creating an anniversary cigar was broached about eight years ago when the store approached him, and he agreed. However, the anniversary came and went without the anticipated cigar, and the topic faded. Surprisingly, last year, the completed cigars were sent to the store as a delightful surprise.
Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the Peretti family and Fuente, Fuente Jr. shared an anecdote about the store’s loyalty to the Fuente brand. Despite initial humble beginnings, the store proudly displayed a prominent Fuente sign, even resisting requests from the former owner of General Cigar Co. to showcase other brands. Fuente Jr. emphasized the unique bond that extends back to the original sales manager, Fred Zaniboni, who played a pivotal role in establishing Fuente in various markets. Fuente Jr. expressed his gratitude, stating, “They’ve been very loyal, very faithful to us, and I wanted to do something very special. That’s something I don’t do for everyone.”
Founded by Libero Joseph Peretti, who migrated from Switzerland to Boston, L.J. Peretti Co. once operated a cigar factory and multiple stores in Boston. Today, it maintains a single location at 2 1/2 Park Square, on the outskirts of Boston Common, under the ownership of Steven Willett. The Fuente family’s connection to the store remains distinctive, exemplified by Carlos Fuente III, Fuente Jr.’s son, who worked at L.J. Peretti while studying at North-eastern University.
